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Blood Parasite Smear Examination
MessageTest performed at York Hospital Laboratory. Preferred collection sites are the York and Wells Laboratories due to limited specimen stability. Used for identifying Plasmodium species and Babesia microti. Ehrlichia are rarely seen in peripheral smears. Other serological testing should be ordered if Ehrlichiosis is suspected.
Test Code
BP
Alias/See Also
Parasite Smear, Blood
CPT Codes
87207
Preferred Specimen
2 Thick and 2 Thin Blood Smears from fingerstick
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Instructions
EDTA tubes submitted for blood parasite smears must be received in the laboratory within 45 minutes from collection.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature (whole blood): 1 hour
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
EDTA tubes received after 1 hour from collection
Methodology
Microscopic Examination
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
2 Days
Reference Range
None Seen Critical Values Parasites Seen
Clinical Significance
Thick and thin blood smears are used to determine the presence, type and percentage of RBCs infected with heither malaria or babesiosis and (outside of the RBCs - extracellular) filariasis, and trypanosomiasis. Blood smears are the most reliable tests for determining the presence of malaria. Differentiation of P. falciparum from B. microti is essential for proper treatment. The main species of Babesia, in the United States, is the protozoan B. microti.
Ehrlichia are obligate intracellular bacteria that are seen as inclusions called morula in monocytes and granulocytes. Thse morula are rarely seen in peripheral smears. Serological testing is recommended if Ehrlichiosis is suspected.
Ehrlichia are obligate intracellular bacteria that are seen as inclusions called morula in monocytes and granulocytes. Thse morula are rarely seen in peripheral smears. Serological testing is recommended if Ehrlichiosis is suspected.